His Grace Bishop Mitrophan Visits Philadelphia Parish

20. February 2013 - 15:11

On Sunday, February 17th, His Grace Bishop Mitrophan visited the Serbian Orthodox faithful of Philadelphia Pa. and vicinity. At His arrival at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, the children of the church-school greeted His Grace with flowers. His Grace then led the celebration of the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, assisted by Fr. Milorad Orlic, the parish priest. The congregation that filled the church sang the responses. In His homily for Zacchaeus Sunday, His Grace drew the attention of the faithful to Zaccheaus’ strong will to see Our Lord Jesus Christ. He reminded the faithful of the teaching of the holy fathers – that while God was able to create us without our will; He cannot save us without our will.

Following the distribution of anaphora, the Kolo Srpskih Sestara “Sv Petka” prepared a banquet, in honor of His Grace. After the banquet, His Grace presided over an open forum where parishioners were able to discuss their concerns in a frank and dignified manner. His Grace emphasized that the problems of every parish were His problems as well. His gentle but firm responses to questions, clear directions and parental concern were impressed upon all present. Following the conclusion of the open forum, His Grace presided over the swearing-in of the newly elected Executive Board of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church.